Here’s a recipe for Chicken & Eggplant Parmesan that will impress your family and friends!
Chicken & Eggplant Parmesan Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
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2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
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1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
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1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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2 large eggs
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1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 tablespoons olive oil, for frying
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Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken and Eggplant:
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Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Gently pound them to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick. This helps them cook evenly and quickly. Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of oregano and basil for extra flavor.
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Eggplant: Slice the eggplant into 1/2-inch rounds. Sprinkle the slices with salt and place them on a paper towel or in a colander for 20-30 minutes to draw out moisture and bitterness. Afterward, gently pat them dry with a towel.
2. Bread the Chicken and Eggplant:
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Flour: In one shallow dish, place 1 cup of flour.
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Eggs: In another shallow dish, beat 2 eggs.
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Breadcrumbs: In a third shallow dish, mix 1 cup of breadcrumbs, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Coat the chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip it into the egg mixture, then coat it with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
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Coat the eggplant: Do the same with the eggplant slices—dredge them in flour, dip them in eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs.
3. Fry the Chicken and Eggplant:
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Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Fry the chicken: Add the breaded chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Set the cooked chicken aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
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Fry the eggplant: In the same skillet, fry the eggplant slices for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. You may need to do this in batches. Place the cooked eggplant slices on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
4. Assemble the Chicken & Eggplant Parmesan:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom.
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Layer the chicken: Place the fried chicken breasts in the dish, slightly overlapping if needed.
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Layer the eggplant: Arrange the fried eggplant slices on top of the chicken, making sure to cover them evenly.
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Add sauce: Spoon more marinara sauce over the eggplant and chicken, making sure everything is generously covered.
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Top with cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
5. Bake:
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Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the sauce is simmering.
6. Serve:
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Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
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Garnish with fresh basil and parsley for added flavor and color.
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Serve hot with spaghetti, garlic bread, or a simple green salad on the side.
Tips:
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Make it ahead: You can prepare the chicken and eggplant in advance and store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply assemble the dish, top with cheese, and bake.
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Air fryer option: If you prefer a healthier version, you can air fry the breaded chicken and eggplant at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes or until golden and crispy.
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Cheese variations: Feel free to add provolone or asiago cheese to the top for extra flavor.
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Sauce: If you want a richer sauce, you can make your own marinara by sautéing garlic and onions in olive oil, adding crushed tomatoes, and seasoning with herbs like basil and oregano.
Serving Suggestions:
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Pasta: Pair this dish with a side of spaghetti, penne, or your favorite pasta to create a classic Italian meal.
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Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread is perfect for sopping up the delicious marinara sauce.
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Salad: A light green salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette would be a refreshing side.
This Chicken & Eggplant Parmesan is a comforting, hearty dish that brings together the best of both worlds—crispy, tender chicken and eggplant, flavorful marinara, and melted cheese. It’s perfect for a family dinner or even for entertaining guests. Enjoy!
Would you be making this for a special occasion, or just craving a classic comfort food meal?